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Ski and snowboarding

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Original poster

Ski mad mum

35 replies

beachhead · 31/12/2015 11:32

Hi any other mums out there returning to skiing after 20yrs?

Please help!

I've just booked cheap flights and accommodation no going back now!

With my 2 boys and hubbie how exciting!

Its to please my boys, my eldest( 16 )loves the sport, been with the school once.

Ive chosen a family friendly resort in French Alps , I know we all get tuition, but it won't be together.

Any tips out there please, I'm panicking, maybe I've just lost the plot

I think I'm just realising maybe I'm too old now to start skiing again

OP posts:
CoteDAzur · 31/12/2015 11:34

No need to panic. It's like cycling - you can't forget how to ski. Take it easy on the gentle slopes for the first day. You'll see that it will all come back to you. Enjoy your holiday.

EdithWeston · 31/12/2015 11:47

I managed how to forget how to ski!

The technology of skis changed between when I learned and when I tried again. It's meant to be easier on shorter, wider carving skis (they all used to be long/thin/very straight back in the dark ages).

I think my problem was losing my nerve (no reason for you to think that'll happen to you) and being less fit. So yes, start exercising now to be fitter generally and strengthen your legs in particular.

My top tip would be to book a couple of private lessons at the start of the week. You'll get far more from that than from group classes.

CoteDAzur · 31/12/2015 11:53

Yes, skis are a bit different l now - shorter and plumper in front (not all straight). The main difference when skiing is that you need to keep your skis a bit apart and not try to stick them together while parallel skiing.

On the plus side, they grip much better so that you don't even slide on ice anymore if you have a good pair of skis.

FanSpamTastic · 31/12/2015 12:06

There are some good indoor ski centres - Manchester Chill Zone, Milton Keynes, Tamworth, Hemel Hempstead. Go and have a couple of lessons before you go on holiday to get over the first time back thing! It will also remind you about all the gear needed!

AllChangeLife · 31/12/2015 12:22

If you are looking at lessons can I recommend New Generation ski school. I was very nervous learning for the first time late 20s and they are lovely! I agree with those that say private lessons for adults are much better... you will get the hang of it again! Where are you headed? If it is soon, can you bring the snow?!!!

FadedRed · 31/12/2015 12:31

Agree a couple of sessions/lessons at a UK slope pre holiday would help to get your ski-legs back and get an idea of the new ski tech. Also suggest you go for a slightly shorter ski length than your height dictates, especially for the first couple of days in resort. The ski tech now is sooo much kinder than it was 20 years ago, (especially on icy slopes and bad snow) and lots more people are learning to ski much older than was thought to be sensible then. And skiing into their 70/80's now, which is brilliant IMO.
You'll have a great time, but don't try to keep up with your kids! Grin

Original poster
beachhead · 31/12/2015 12:39

Oh Thanks all

Interesting comments, Coted'zur (thats where we fly to Nice by the way) ! I must be a ski dinosaur didn't know they've shortened the ski's!
Sounds like that will be easier for the parallel turning!

Yes Fanspam and all change, I'll think about finding an indoor ski centre, especially if its got snow, I remember I hated dry ski slopes!

I'm looking fwd but as you get older I think you loose you're nerve!

OP posts:
HeartsTrumpDiamonds · 31/12/2015 12:39

Squats
Lunges
Squats
Lunges
More squats
More lunges
Ad infinitum

I am a great skier (used to be) and when we went with the DC for the first time it had been 10 years since I had been skiing. My legs burned on the first run and I could barely make it down. Ruined my enjoyment and confidence, not to mention embarrassing!

Maybe you are more fit than me though Grin

Chocolate in the pocket for the kids
You should all be wearing helmets
Get a helmet cam for your eldest - he will love it

Have fun!

Socialaddict · 31/12/2015 12:49

All very good advice so far! I agree with getting yourself fitter before going and taking some lessons. When we started going my DD was 10 and I arranged for her to be in the adult group so we always had lessons together. Check with the teacher they should let the teens come into the adult group, but if you have private lessons you won't have this issue. The go pro camera is a lot of fun for the kids too. Where are you skiing? Have a great time!

CoteDAzur · 31/12/2015 14:51

OP - If you are flying to Nice, then your resort is probably one around here like Valberg or Auron. No natural snow in any of those places atm but hopefully will snow some before your trip.

Original poster
beachhead · 31/12/2015 15:45

Yes oh dear I'm not a gymbunny hate the workouts!

But yes you all so right ! Got to shape up, I'm so glad for all your suggestions

Cycling was my thing, but usually summer only, I'll start NY! Only got til Feb half term ! Oh my body will be in for a shock

OP posts:
Original poster
beachhead · 31/12/2015 15:49

Hi Coted'zur sound like you know area, we are going to Isola, do you know it?. Reviews on trip adviser looked OK to me for beginners ! There's mostly green and blue runs, only 3 black!

OP posts:
SanityClause · 31/12/2015 16:23

Yy to helmets all round. In the past 5 years, it's gone from only children wearing helmets to nearly everyone.

I learnt to ski the Christmas before I fell pregnant with DC1, then didn't go again until she was nearly 8.

I soon picked it up again, but I've had a few weeks of tuition, here and there.

If sounds like you were a much better skier to start with, although your gap has been longer.

Perhaps you could look at a few private lessons rather than group lessons?

CoteDAzur · 31/12/2015 16:27

OP - Yes, Isola 2000 is great for beginners, with lots of easy slopes and very few challenging ones. It is also at 2000m altitude, so likely to have good snow by the time you arrive in February and sunshine.

The downside imho is that there is no village, charming or otherwise, and most of the resort is one long joined-up row of concrete buildings right on the slopes. If you are staying in that complex, though, that means you can go to a restaurant, coffee, or shop before or after skiing without having to put on even a jacket, which is great with kids.

Original poster
beachhead · 31/12/2015 18:03

Hi Côte yes thanks for info, I know its not a pretty village boys won't care!

But good to hear easy reach shops etc good at least if i bottle it ill have a hangout i suppose.

However I'm greatly encouraged now got to give it a whirl gonna take advice from you ladies . that is try &get fit

Happy to hear any other tips girls

Must wish all you skiers a very happy new year

OP posts:
Gattabianca · 31/12/2015 19:58

I had a break of a about 10 years too. I found skiing much, much easier when I started again about 5 years ago, due to the much better modern skis.
I think it's true that you don't forget.
I don't have any tips really but I have more breaks for vin chaud coffee now than when I was younger

mary21 · 01/01/2016 15:50

Book your skis/boots online before you go. Much cheaper than waiting till you are in resort. We paid £150 for 4 of us. One of the tour operators was charging this for 1 set!

Original poster
beachhead · 01/01/2016 18:47

Thanks Mary sounds like good idea

Gatta great like the sound of your experience! Hope I'm the same, I uses to really enjoy skiing.

OP posts:
MajorMajor · 01/01/2016 19:31

Hi beachhead, last year I went skiing for the first time in 20 years, having been 2 or 3 times during my teens. It does come back to you. I had a beginner lesson at my local indoor snow centre which really helped. I now look forward to the ski holiday as a highlight of the year & have no idea why I waited 20 years to go again! Have a great time.

AppleAndBlackberry · 01/01/2016 19:38

It's been 8 years for me, we're going at Easter also to the French Alps. I'm really looking forward to it although I'm worried there won't be much snow. I'm going to try and get a bit fitter generally, I don't think I'll have forgotten how to ski but I do think being overweight and unfit might lessen my enjoyment a bit.

Original poster
beachhead · 01/01/2016 20:39

Wow very encouraging

We are taking the attitude will give it a try, as my hubbie is a ski virgin!

We either love or hate it

But all your feedback makes me realise must get prepared, its not like going on a beach holiday is it

OP posts:
FadedRed · 02/01/2016 12:43

One of the most useful gadgets we have found pre ski trips is a steps machine. Bought it a few years ago from Aldi for about 25 quid. It lives permanently in the kitchen and I hop on it several times a day while waiting for the kettle to boil/stuff to cook for a couple of minutes to do 100/200 'steps'. It doesn't feel like exercising, especially if you put some dance music on (the faster beat the better iyswim). Combined with a few stretching exercises and some brisk walking daily. Just seems to get the right muscles prepared.

Original poster
beachhead · 02/01/2016 19:04

Like that Faded red!

Thanks for tip.

OP posts:
CoteDAzur · 02/01/2016 23:17

You don't have to get a machine.

Stand with your back to a wall and slide down until you reach a 'seated' position, and hold that position as long as you can. Like this.

Also, do squats. That is the single best exercise to prepare your body for skiing, as it mimics the (crouched) position and (up/down) effort of skiing.

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